Clean Your Engagement Ring DIY

How to Clean Your Engagement Ring at Home — in Less Than a Minute

Call it materialistic, but there's nothing quite like the sparkle of a gorgeous diamond — and when it becomes a little lackluster, literally, it's a bummer. The solution to bringing your gem back to maximum luster is easy and requires items you likely already have stored in your kitchen. We chatted with Ritani's vice president of marketing, Mark Keeney, to nail down the safe (and simple!) ways to keep your engagement ring at its personal best.

POPSUGAR: What's the quickest way to clean your ring using products you'd already have at home?

Mark Keeney: There are three products you can use that are likely found within the home. The first is baking soda, [because] its mild, nonabrasive consistency makes it a great choice for cleaning all manners of metals and precious stones. In order to clean your ring with it, simply pour a bit into the bowl and mix it with a bit of warm water to create a soft paste. Take off your ring, and use your fingers to gently rub the paste around the stone, the setting, and the band. Rinse the ring in warm water, and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Toothpaste also cleans engagement rings in a pinch. Take a bit and apply to a soft-bristled toothbrush — the nongel, chalky kind is best. You might even want to invest in a child-size brush. They have smaller heads and softer bristles that are perfect for ring cleaning. Gently scrub the ring all over the brush, rinse with warm water, and dry with a lint-free cloth.

And for an even deeper clean, simply squirt a bit of liquid dishwashing detergent on a toothbrush. Again, the small size and soft bristles of a child's brush would come in handy. Add a tiny bit of warm water, scrub the stone and setting gently, and then rinse the bubbles away with warm water. Dry with a lint-free cloth. If your ring is especially grimy, let is sit in a solution of warm water and dish soap for half an hour before scrubbing.

PS: If you have a free afternoon at home and want to give your ring a good cleaning, is there a more intensive process you can master?

MK: Clean it using one of the above methods, and then let the ring soak in a mixture of one part ammonia to three parts water for half an hour. Take the ring out, and let it air dry. With regular cleaning sessions, your ring will remain as shiny as the day you received it.

PS: Any products you should always avoid exposing your ring to?

MK: Avoid hairspray, nail polishes, cleaning polishes, and bleach, which all contain hazardous chemicals. They have the potential to cause serious damage to your ring.

PS: To keep it clean and sparkly, should the ring be removed when you're showering, washing your face, or applying lotion?